Tinfoil Barb: Tank Size, Tank Mates and How Many to Keep

Tinfoil barbs shine like kitchen foil and are sold at two inches. They grow to a foot and need a group, so they belong only in huge tanks.

Adult size
11.8 in30 cm
Smallest tank
151 gallons570 liters
How many
5 or more
Temperature
72–81 °F22–27 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
Temperament
Peaceful
Swims
In the middle
Heater needed
Yes

What size tank do tinfoil barbs need?

At least 150 gallons (570 liters). That is bigger than any standard home aquarium on our chart, so this is a fish for a custom tank or a pond. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Barbonymus schwanenfeldii.

How many tinfoil barbs in each tank size?

This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if tinfoil barbs are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.

None. No common tank size up to 125 gallons is big enough for an adult tinfoil barb.

Check tinfoil barbs against your own tank and other fish

Good to know

  • Sold small, grows to 30 cm and needs a group: only for very large tanks.
  • Keep at least 5. Alone or in twos and threes, tinfoil barbs hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
  • This is a jumper. Use a lid with no gaps.

Tank mates for tinfoil barbs

These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.

Poor matches

  • Betta: Tinfoil barb (about 12 in) can eat betta (about 2.6 in).
  • Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
  • Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as tinfoil barb.
  • Molly: They need different water: Tinfoil barb likes a pH of 6.5–7.5, molly likes 7.5–8.5.

Questions and answers

What size tank do tinfoil barbs need?

At least 150 gallons (570 liters). That is bigger than any standard home aquarium on our chart, so this is a fish for a custom tank or a pond.

How many tinfoil barbs should be kept together?

At least 5. Tinfoil barbs are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.

Can tinfoil barbs live in a 10 gallon tank?

No. Tinfoil barb needs at least 150 gallons (570 liters), and grows to 12 in (30 cm), far too long for a 20 inch tank.

What temperature do tinfoil barbs need?

72–81 °F (22–27 °C), with a pH of 6.5–7.5. In most homes that means a heater.

Can tinfoil barbs live with a betta?

It is not a good match. Tinfoil barb (about 12 in) can eat betta (about 2.6 in).

More fish

Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.